as in to avert
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
a lot of problems would have been prevented if we'd just prepared better
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Recent Examples of prevent
By enabling full site isolation, as long as your Android device has at least 4GB of RAM, to prevent the loading of malicious sites in the same process as legitimate websites.
—
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Remove dying blooms and seed capsules to prevent unnecessary seed development that can use up the plant’s nutrients and energy.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
These slim chargers take up very little room in a bag or purse and have folding prongs to prevent scratches.
—Parker Hall, Wired News, 11 July 2025
The dispute over the Toledo Strip also forced President Andrew Jackson to act to prevent bloodshed and the loss of a political foothold in the swing state of Ohio.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevent
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Remove dying blooms and seed capsules to prevent unnecessary seed development that can use up the plant’s nutrients and energy.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
These slim chargers take up very little room in a bag or purse and have folding prongs to prevent scratches.
—Parker Hall, Wired News, 11 July 2025
The dispute over the Toledo Strip also forced President Andrew Jackson to act to prevent bloodshed and the loss of a political foothold in the swing state of Ohio.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prevent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prevent
Verb
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In November, the city transit system averted a strike when the parties agreed to a one-year contract with 5% raises.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
2 July 2025
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Thanks to their collective efforts, well over one million child deaths were averted.—
Jennifer Lotito,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
Verb
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That conservatism may also preclude another option – embracing a warming neighboring region and pursuing a new agreement with Washington.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
30 June 2025
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Strict in-and-out times may also preclude homeless Portlanders with jobs.—
K. Rambo,
ProPublica,
11 June 2025
Verb
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Experts say Camp Mystic's requests to amend the FEMA map could have been an attempt to avoid the requirement to carry flood insurance, to lower the camp's insurance premiums or to pave the way for renovating or adding new structures under less costly regulations.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 July 2025
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For efficient and safe removal, residents should avoid stacking debris near trees, utility poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, or meters.—
Robbie Farias,
Austin American Statesman,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prevent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prevent. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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